|
Zetterberg and Datsyuk's window closing |
|
|
|
|
|
Pavel Datsyuk is 36. Henrik Zetterberg is 34.
Their time as elite NHL players is fast running out.
They realize this and the Detroit Red Wings realize this, so that may very well play a role in what the Wings opt to do prior to the March 2 NHL trade deadline.
Surprise contenders in the Eastern Conference, the Wings might opt to go big at the deadline if they think they can acquire the piece that could put them over the top and make them champions, recognizing that their time with Zetterberg and Datsyuk both on top of their games may not be lasting much longer, especially considering that both are healthy right now after each missed significant time last season due to injury.
“Our window is closing down,” Zetterberg acknowledged as the Wings prepared for Thursday’s game in Colorado against the Avalanche. “We’ve been in the league for quite some time now.
“We’re getting older, but in the same way we have a good team. We are at the top of the standings. We’re still learning so we have some room for improvement there.”
It’s no secret to the Wings that they want to take advantage of the opportunity that’s there while their stars are healthy and on top of their game.
“I think we’ve got three to be honest with you,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said of his elite leadership group, including defenseman Niklas Kronwall alongside Zetterberg and Datsyuk, “but you’re right about how old they are.
“So we’d like to do everything we can to help our cause. Help them and help our own cause. In saying all that, those are decisions you make. It’s just like anything. When you go shopping, can you afford it or can you not?”
As much as talking trade rumors and speculating about potential deals has become a cottage industry – NHL trade deadline day is practically an unofficial national holiday in Canada – hammering out one of those deals isn’t as easy in the real world as it is in a fantasy league.
“I think what you always do (have to remember) is it’s called trade,” Babcock said. “It’s not Christmas, it’s trade, so you’ve got to give something to get something.
“What my job is and what Blash’s (AHL Grand Rapids coach Jeff Blashill) job is, is to develop players so we create as many assets as we can. Sometimes you end up with too many guys for one spot and you can make a move to make your team better.
“The general manager’s job is to weigh the current cost vs. the current gain vs. the future damage. That’s the decision time for every team in the league, not just for (GM) Ken (Holland) and myself.”
Yes, Zetterberg and Datsyuk and Kronwall are getting up there in years in terms of hockey life, but as Zetterberg correctly noted, when those three were just pups several future hall of famers such as Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan and Brett Hull all left Detroit and the Wings still captured another Stanley Cup in 2007-08.
“I think every year guys will be older,” Zetterberg said. “When me and Pav and Kronner came into the team guys were getting older and we found a way to win.
“I don’t think you have to panic that much if you have something going, but if something is out there that will improve our team they will probably look at it. Just to make a deal just to make a deal doesn’t make sense. If you’re going to do something it’s got to improve your team.”
Monster Back For Avs
Though Petr Mrazek will get the start Thursday against the Avalanche, the man backing up on the bench will change. For the first time since he suffered a separated shoulder Nov. 5, Jonas Gustavsson will suit up for the Wings.
Gustavsson completed a two-game conditioning stint with Grand Rapids Wednesday and then jetted to Denver to join the Wings.
“For sure it was huge for me to get those games and allow me to work on my game, get that game experience again because I haven’t played in a long time,” Gustavsson said. “It was good, now it’s about pushing myself and try to progress even more.”
Gustavsson has no idea when he will be back between the posts in an NHL game.
“I haven’t really heard anything yet,” Gustavsson said. “All the focus is going to be on this game tonight, so we’ll take it day by day. I’m just going to do everything I can to be ready for the next time I’m between the pipes.”
To make room for Gustavsson to be activated, goalie Tom McCollum was returned to Grand Rapids. Defenseman Xavier Ouellet was recalled from Grand Rapids, though he won’t play against the Avalanche. The Wings will go with the same lineup that beat the New York Islanders Saturday at Joe Louis Arena.
Part of the reason for Ouellet’s recall was that his father Robert had already made plans to be part of the team’s dad’s trip when his son was assigned to the minor leagues.
Follow me on Twitter @asktheduffer
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»